13 Rules When Medicating Your Pond

• 1. Calculate the exact volume of your pond

  Estimating the volume of your pond could lead to a fatal overdose.

  To calculate rectangular ponds - Width x Length x Depth.

  For irregular shaped ponds consider using salt to calculate the exact volume, find out more here.

• 2. Double check your maths

  For both pond volume and dose calculation.

• 3. Check medication compatibility with your fish

  Sensitive fish such as Sturgeon, Orfe and Tench react negatively to many common pond medications.

• 4. Check drug compatibility with salt

  Certain medications are not compatible with salt

• 5. Provide excellent aeration throughout treatment

  Many chemicals will deplete oxygen levels during treatment.

• 6. Dose in the morning

  Rule 101. Dose in the morning so you can observe the fish throughout the day. This allows you to react if an adverse reaction is seen!

• 7. Check the weather

  Some medications should not be applied during warm or thundery conditions. Similarly some medications should not be added below a certain temperature.

• 8. Evenly mix the medication across the pond

  Dilute medications in a bucket or watering can first then evenly mix this solution into the pond. Applying medication by jets/outflows can help evenly disperse the medication.

• 9. Add the medication slowly

  Many medications will advise you medicate the pond slowly, sometimes over an hour time period.

• 10. Check medications are in date and have been stored correctly

  Spoiled products can cause fatalities.

• 11. Do not mix medications unless advised otherwise

  Some medications can have adverse effects when used together.

• 12. Turn off UV, protein skimmers and remove any binding agents from the filter

  Such as charcoal/carbon sponges as these will degrade medications and reduce the efficacy.

• 13. Read the label thoroughly

  Know what, when and how to use it the medication appropriately.

  The misuse of medications can be deadly.

Rule 101: Dose in the morning so you can monitor the fish throughout the day.